I would like to give a shout-out to the Vermont Mental Health Counselors Association and the Vermont Psychological Association, who, along with other professional provider groups, came together to protest the undiscussed and unannounced cuts in Medicaid mental health care reimbursements that went into effect on Jan. 1. These cuts of 10 percent in the already low fees received by mental health service providers would have seriously undermined the number of providers willing and able to see low-income and disabled Vermonters.

These have just been rescinded by the Shumlin administration. It is a tribute to the professional organizations in our state and to the flexibility and availability of legislators and policymakers that dialogue and revision could happen swiftly.

Professional organizations operate on shoestring budgets with dedicated volunteers. I encourage any professional who benefits from insurance reimbursement to join their statewide organizations, which continue to work on behalf of all mental health providers and clients. Have you hugged your psychotherapist today?